Linux-Mandrake 7.2 ranked no. 1 in December sales by PC Data

Figures from the most recent issue of PC Data reveal that Linux-Mandrake(TM) version 7.2, launched in November, was the best-selling Linux operating system in December 2000 with more than 28% market share.

Consistently a top performer in the Linux category, Linux-Mandrake's Complete 7.0 was also the best-selling Linux operating system sold at retail in all of 2000

The user-friendly operating system distributed by Macmillan Software for MandrakeSoft continues to reap high praise from reviewers and users alike. In September 2000, Linux-Mandrake won Linux Magazine's Editor's Choice Award for Leading Client Distribution, describing the operating system as "the sure-fire desktop Linux distribution for the uninitiated newbie as well as for the seasoned guru. Mandrake is a distribution that focuses on its attention to details, polishing the rough spots, and improving the end user experience, and it shows."

CNET, which gave both Linux-Mandrake 7.1 (CNET Review 9/25/00) and Linux-Mandrake 7.2 an 8 out of 10 rating, says "Linux-Mandrake 7.2 proves that one of the best desktop distributions can get even better. With its improved desktop interface, solid printing facilities, and comprehensive communication features, Linux-Mandrake 7.2 is an excellent desktop OS choice." (CNET Review 1/4/01)

;Upon seeing the most recent PC Data reports, Macmillan Software's Vice President of Sales David Brinkworth commented, "We are thrilled that Linux-Mandrake continues to sell well in the marketplace and we are even more excited about Linux-Mandrake's future. Each version developed by MandrakeSoft is better than the last - easier for users at all levels of experience to install and to use, with even more features and better performance than ever before. We know that Linux-Mandrake will continue to be the premier Linux client distribution given MandrakeSoft's record of innovation.

Linux-Mandrake 7.2 is available for purchase in three formats: Linux-Mandrake Complete 7.2 (ISBN 1575954524, MSRP of $29.95), Linux-Mandrake PowerPack Deluxe 7.2 (ISBN 1575954516, MSRP of $69.95), and Linux-Mandrake 7.2 Professional Suite (ISBN 1575954664, MSRP of $149.95)

About MacMillan USA

Macmillan USA is a unit of Pearson Technology Group, the world's largest provider of consumer and professional computer, information technology, engineering and reference content. As one of the industry's innovators in both print and digital formats, Macmillan's imprints include Macmillan Software, Que, Sams, Hayden Books, BradyGAMES Strategy Guides, Que Learning Systems, and Macmillan Lifestyle, publisher of the best-selling Complete Idiot's Guides line of reference books. Pearson Technology Group is an operating unit of Pearson Education, the world's leading education publisher.
For the latest news and software from Macmillan USA, please visit http://www.macmillansoftware.com/

About MandrakeSoft

Mandrakesoft provides a trusted interface between users of information technology and open technologists. The company offers customers in the small office, home office (SoHo), small and medium size enterprise, government and educational sectors a set of GNU Linux and Open-Source software and related services, user-friendly and highly competitive information technologies at a very attractive total cost of ownership. In addition, Mandrakesoft offers technologists committed to open software and courseware a trusted channel to offer their services via MandrakeCampus.com and MandrakeExpert.com.

The company has technologists in over 20 countries, and has received funding from major banks and venture capital institutions, including Azeo Ventures (Lazard Group), ABN AMRO, Viventures, AXA Placement Innovation and OFIVM. The Linux-Mandrake distribution, which became the leader in US retail sales last year (PC Data), received the awards for "Best Product of the Year" and "Best Linux-Distribution/Server" at LinuxWorld Expo 99, as well as the PC Answers Platinum Award in April 2000, the Linux Magazine Editor's Choice Award in September 2000 and the Chip Magazine "Best Technique and Winner of the Test" in December 2000.

"Born on the Internet" in late 1998, MandrakeSoft established headquarters in the United-States, Quebec, the UK, France an Germany. Please visit the web site, http://www.mandrakesoft.com/ for more information. MandrakeSoft publishes the Linux-Mandrake operating system, based on open-source development (which provides free access to source code published in accordance with a General Public License, or GPL). Several hundred developers throughout the world contribute to the constant improvement of the product directly over the Internet. This international developer community has given Linux-Mandrake a product that is available in over 40 languages.